FESTA DE LA SENSA
(second Sunday in May)
 First
established in the year 1000 to celebrate the victory of the Venetian
fleet under Doge Pietro Orseolo II against the Dalmatian pirates.
Originally, it was a very simple ceremony: a procession of boats
and ships headed towards the opening of the port and the bishop
blessed the sea to express their gratitude in the presence of the
Doge..
However, after the "Peace of Venice" in 1177 between Pope Alexander
III and Federico Barbarossa the ceremony was transformed into the"sposalizio
del mare" ("Marriage with the Sea").
From that day on, Venice celebrated its power on the seas by throwing
a gold ring into the sea just opposite the church of S.Nicol• del
Lido.
Today, the mayor and patriarch take part in the very same ceremony,
surrounded by a procession of historical boats. There are also various
regatta and other events on the Lido.
translated by C.Cawthra
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